On the grapevine
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS ON... WINES SHE’D HAPPILY GO BACK TO – TIME AND AGAIN
SO many wines, so little time! Variety is the spice of life but if we had to choose some favourites, we’re confident we could narrow it down.
From fine fizz, to trusty classics and hidden gems, here are some wines to drink again and again...
Jansz Premium Cuvee NV, Tasmania, Australia, £19.50, Wine Direct. An A-list Aussie fizz in a rich, hedonistic style – this is the closest bubbly to a glass of Champagne. Made in the traditional Champagne method (even though they’ve coined it ‘Methode Tasmanoise’), it’s rich, creamy and toasty with notes of nougat, honey, peaches, apricots and roasted nuts.
Sorcova Pinot Grigio 2019, Romania,
£7.99, Waitrose.
A star buy and proof that an everyday pinot grigio may be simple, yet deliciously easy to sink. With perky tropical fruits and floral aromas, a good balance of citrusy acidity supporting the ripe melon and apple flavours, it’s fresh, fruity and fun. Pairs well with a creamy seafood linguine or garlic butter shrimp.
Adnams Provence Rosé 2019, France,
£64.99 for a six-bottle case, Adnams. With exquisite aromas of dried flowers, you can almost picture the stunning lavender fields. The winemaker, Emmanuelle Baude, has a reputation for being passionate about her vineyard – and it really shows in this beautiful organic rosé, marked by succulent red fruits, a wonderful purity and charming, silky texture.
Vinalta Malbec 2017, Mendoza, Argentina,
currently £8 (was £9), Marks & Spencer. A gorgeous glass bursting with strawberries, plums and spice with hints of lavender, this wine’s full of energy and has a vibrant, fruity elegance and no oak influence. M&S suggest it’s versatile enough to serve lightly chilled with Thai food, pasta or your favourite cut of steak.
Ixsir Altitudes Red 2016, Lebanon, currently £16.95
(was £18.95), Great Western Wine. Altitude is stacked with the black fruits of the region. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, caladoc (a red wine variety from the Languedoc), syrah and tempranillo, the nose is rich and complex with notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, a long, luscious palate, beautifully silky tannins and a compelling finish – offering the best expression of the Lebanese terroir.